Franciscan Mission Associates (FMA), now in its 57th year of service to the missions of the world, is a spiritually based organization with worldwide mission-helping undertakings. It promotes information about and interest in the missionaries and their people – particularly in the Franciscan Missions of Central America, but also in the inner cities of the United States and Canada as well as every continent in the world.

Saint of the Month

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feast Day - December 12

Mexico became part of the Spanish empire in 1521, three decades after Columbus’ discovery of America. Only ten years later, Our Blessed Lady graced Mexico with a visit to Juan Diego, an Indian worker in Guadalupe, near Mexico City.

He reported his visit with the Lady to the Franciscan Archbishop, Juan de Zumarraga, who hardly believed him. So Our Lady decided to send roses to the archbishop as a good will sign. Juan Diego collected these December roses in his cloak, went back to the archbishop and out fell the roses at his feet.

Prayer of the Month

God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary at Guadalupe.

May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts may your peace reign in the world.
[Liturgy of the Hours I:1688]